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Patricia Flores
5.0 out of 5 stars When you rebuild the world from total destruction
Reviewed in Canada on 23 January 2021
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This a wonderful story on how to have faith, hope, and charity against all the odds, in the worst of circumstances. Dr. Nagai is a moral giant. The book is a one-sitting read; I couldn’t stop reading until finished. A very important point that I found interesting is the connection between faith and science that Dr. Nagai established all throughout his life, even before his conversion. Only one detail that puzzled me: how could the author state that Beethoven and Mozart were played in a pre-Vatican 2 Catholic Mass.
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nagasaki
5.0 out of 5 stars a song for nagasaki
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2012
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this is the unforgetable story of a truly great man. Despite living through unimaginable horrors of many kinds, he never ceases to be so brave, so resourceful, so concerned for the welfare of others, so full of hope for the future, so profound in spirit. The background of his Japanese culture moulds so perfectly with his devout Catholic faith, that as a Christian from the western world the testimony of Dr. Tagai reminds me of Christ's words "I have not seen such faith, no, not in Israel." Certainly, both believers and non-believers can learn so many valuable lessons from this enthralling book!
8 people found this helpful
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joan Dawson
5.0 out of 5 stars Order accomplished
Reviewed in France on 8 December 2016
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This book arrived within the time promised and was in good shape. The person for whom I ordered it was very pleased.
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Italy on 25 September 2018
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The story of a scientist at the crossing of cultures, civilizations and religions. Wonderfully written, it brings you to the “hear and now” through the very unusual eyes of a Japanese Catholic, more than anything else, of a great man.
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Jeremy Rios
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime Biography
Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2011
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All true readers are shaped by the books they read. (Conversely, all non-readers are similarly shaped by the books they haven't read.) Some books we read to give us information; others to enjoy. The more sublime a book becomes--whether in form or content--the more impact the book has on us; its impression is indelible. Still, of all the kinds of books we can read, few impact us personally more than biography. In biography we are confronted with the image of an other life; we are brought face to face with a portrait, the prolonged gaze into which causes us to reflect on our own lives. Hence, the best biography always prompts self-reflection. Such a book is Paul Glynn's A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai. It is a profound biographical mirror, the reflection from which challenges us to reevaluate our own lives.
The subtitle of Glynn's book tells much of the story: Nagai was a Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb. As a Scientist, Nagai grew up in Japan in the first half of the 20th century where he trained to become a doctor, then studied radiology, and helped to pioneer radiological research in Nagasaki. As a convert Nagai exemplifies the observation of C.S. Lewis that "Every story of conversion is the story of a blessed defeat." Nagai, a young atheist, decided to investigate the claims of Christianity--which he viewed as a very foreign and non-Japanese religion--through the study of Nagasaki's historic Christian community and the reading of Pascal's Pensées. Over time he became compelled by the testimony of a loving God Who superintends the world, Whose power is made perfect in human weakness. Nagai is also a survivor of the Atomic Bomb, in the wake of which--already riddled with leukemia because of his radiological research--Nagai stayed in Nagasaki to rebuild, interpret, and provide healing for the citizens of his city for the last years of life. Through his public display of Christian faithfulness and patient endurance Nagai is transformed into a hero for the people of Nagasaki.
Nagai's life story is fascinating on its own. The story of his conversion gives it depth. But the atomic leveling of Nagasaki--which brought about the death of his wife and many colleagues--renders Nagai's life sublime. It is his response--patient, trusting, encouraging, and indeed deeply mourning--which sets this life above many others, making it a worthy study and example. He has suffered, yet loves God, yet remains confident in the absolute and unfailing love of God. Nagai writes, "Our lives are of great worth if we accept with good grace the situation that Providence and go on living lovingly" (238). His is no simple faith, but one rich and complex.
Nagai writes "if our lives are spent for the glory of God, then life and death are beautiful" (148). Because of this, the story of a faithful life uniquely enhances the power of biography. As we consider a life in which God has worked, profoundly, we are forced to query our own lives: Have I been faithful like Nagai? Is my faith in God secure? Have I sought to communicate the love of God to my family and coworkers as he did? Will I be able to confront suffering as he did? If my world were to crash down around me, would I respond like him? When other suffering people come to me, do I offer them the comfort and grace of God that Nagai did? No sincere reflection on these questions can bring a bad result, and so I encourage you to gaze long and searchingly into the mirror of Takashi Nagai. See who God is for this man, and ask if He might be such a God for you, too.
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Giulia Vercesi
5.0 out of 5 stars Lettura
Reviewed in Italy on 2 October 2019
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Splendido libro
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A V G
5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational and interesting
Reviewed in the United States on 3 August 2023
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This well written novel describes a Japanese man searching and finding the meaning of pain in life and ultimately it’s path to serenity. It’s a book for all ages
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Eva
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting!
Reviewed in Canada on 6 October 2021
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Very good book!
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The Seldom Seen Kid
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2016
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When reviewing books I prefer not to give away any real detail so as not to spoil the read for any potential buyer. Wonderfully inspiring book and one that will sit well on any bookshelf.
2 people found this helpful
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Michael Subasic
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, with great insights.
Reviewed in Canada on 3 March 2016
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Wow! This book is a must read that will transform your understanding of service to others, dealing with suffering, and seeing the dignity in every person. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
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Dennis Muzza
5.0 out of 5 stars Moving spiritual biography
Reviewed in the United States on 31 December 2010
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This is the uplifting story of Dr. Takashi Nagai, a brilliant Japanese scientist who lived in the first half of the 20th century, became an unlikely convert to Catholic Christianity, became a war hero in the war with China in the 1930s, survived the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki but suffering the death of his wife, university colleagues, and decimation of the Christian community in that city, and towards the end of his life, terminally ill with leukemia (contracted before the nuclear attack because of his work as a radiologist) he was dedicated to providing spiritual comfort to the people of Nagasaki and Japan, both through his writings and his example, and by the time of his death had become a much admired and revered person in Japan and the world.
The story of Nagai itself follows important parallels with that of many great saints within Christianity: somebody who is an independent spirit, perhaps a bit rebellious but also very sensitive, highly accomplished in what they do, goes through difficult times which hasten a spiritual conversion (in Nagai's case the death of his mother), after which even harder times lead to growth and strengthening of faith, culminating, or I should say blossoming, in radiance and fulfillment through service and love to their fellow human beings. But the way the story is written by author Paul Glynn, providing the reader with the full historic and geographic context, make it all the more engaging and compelling.
Unlike many of the great Christian saints who lived entirely in Christian environments, generally in pre-modern times, Nagai's story is set against the backdrop of a Japan where Christianity is very countercultural (the chapter on Nagasaki's hidden Christians, who for more than two centuries after it was banned secretely passed their faith from generation to generation, without priests or churches, is worth the price of the book by itself), especially so at a time when the country was rapidly modernizing and leaving all religion behind, and was a particularly unlikely choice for a young, agnostic scientist of Samurai descent who was a very patriotic Japanese. The accounts of the war with China, the detailed and horrifying telling of the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki, and the aftermath of the war and American occupation add even more poignancy to the story and, leaving aside the spiritual side, is worth reading just for historical interest.
But ultimately the story of Nagai is the story of the triumph of the human spirit, how we can transcend and become fulfilled in even the most difficult circumstances, and provides a far more compelling case for Christianity than any of the self-righteous screeds we get these days, as it is grounded in the living example of someone who walked the talk and became a beacon of hope for all humankind.
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Dr J M Meegan
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 April 2014
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This is an amazing book which I had never heard of before is the story that really needs to be told and is recommended reading please read it
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Robert Nairn
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in Canada on 24 May 2014
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One of the best true stories I have ever read. I could not pu the book down until I finished this extraordinary story of a Japanese doctor
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Donald F. Hartung
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on 2 August 2023
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Unique insight to this transformative event that altered history in a very personal way to everyone on the planet.
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a sinner
4.0 out of 5 stars Life changing death
Reviewed in the United States on 19 April 2016
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A historical, sociological, scientific, spiritual perspective on the gravest act of man. I have found a new patron and role model as I traverse a life for others.
3 people found this helpful
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Peter Drevniok
5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring book
Reviewed in Canada on 29 December 2012
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a lovely, touching story; a book that could help people overcome all the inanities being promulgated by the media and our so-called leaders.
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Anna Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2016
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Excellent
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Eduardo Jáuregui
5.0 out of 5 stars A Story You Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 24 December 2023
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When thinking about suffering, focusing too much on our own unfortunate experiences seems to be quite a common thing to do, not few of us perhaps recalling with certain horror a particular moment of grief, of pain, of hopelessness. Yet, and I dare to say it, I don't think most of us try to rehabilitate those experiences for all the potential good that have burst from it.
Seems crazy to try and be optimistic about those times, but, if the protagonist of this book, Takashi Nagai, can show us anything, is that good things can come from adversity. You can trust his opinion; afterall, there's few things that can compare to surviving an atomic bomb, only to lose your wife and all your possessions. After such catastrophe, no-one may have faulted Nagai in losing the joy of life. The thing is, even in such darkest hours, he continued living, a beacon of hope for the survivors of Nagasaki and its Christian community, which play a vital role in the scientist's own conversion to Catholicism before the start of World War II.
Narrated with a deep respect of Japanese culture, this biography is a must not only for the religious reader (though the spiritual insights are clear and numerous throughout the book), but also for the honest inquirer into the reality of suffering and the human condition, a reality that, as this book presents and argues for, even in its darkest moments, hope can remain. Easy recommendation from my part.
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crzymomo9
5.0 out of 5 stars Suffering is not meritless.
Reviewed in the United States on 29 January 2024
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A former atheist and Japanese doctor who ultimately found the Catholic Church and survived the bombing of Nagasaki, gives his statement of faith in spite of his intense suffering. Suffering has merit, all good things come from God, even if they come from a source that is evil, and work towards our salvation. Why does God allow bad things to happen to innocent people? You will find excellent reasons in this book..
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Joseph Gangi
5.0 out of 5 stars True stories are always the best
Reviewed in the United States on 4 January 2024
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The story of this Japanese doctor to the Catholic faith is fascinating and rewarding. I have recommended this book to many friends.
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Raymond H. Mullen
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on 29 November 2015
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Once in a while, I find that I have read something so magnificent that it has a profound significance on my very soul. This is such a book.
The story of Dr. Takashi Naigai is a story of a self made man who eventually meets that still small voice that has been calling to him all of his life.
WWII brought a day of reckoning for thousands upon thousands of creatures just trying to survive the madness of war. As it has been said, "War brings out the worst in man---War brings out the best in man." This story brings real meaning to that statement.
The Japanese are a proud people. They are also deeply rooted in their culture and their religions. Dr. Nagai struggles with tradition, heritage and his inner self; his purpose in life and his duty to his countrymen as well his enemies.
He was a pioneer in the use of x-ray in the medical field. This new kind of energy would have a lasting affect on his young life. At the time, it was unknown just how much radiation a person could absorb before it became lethal. Knowing the danger, he continued on in his research as he sought to save lives by this new method of diagnosing . Already suffering from radiation exposure, he finds himself at ground zero when hell was unleashed on Nagasaki in August of 1945. He lost the love of his life that day, his wife.
His story continues as he throws himself into his work amidst horrors too terrible to even try to understand. His spiritual journey from Japanese traditions, to atheism and agnosticism to finding God through his conversion to the Catholic faith is such a testimony to the power and grace of the one true God.
Was Dr. Nagai a martyr? He certainly didn't think so, however his humble mannerisms and immeasurable faith brought many to the foot of the cross.
"A Song For Nagasaki" is a masterpiece. I am so blessed to have been able to read and review this work. I encourage you to make this a 'must read' on your list for the near future.
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TIMOTHY OMALLEY
5.0 out of 5 stars Takashi and Midori triumph
Reviewed in the United States on 4 November 2023
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Incredible account of families with deep roots in Japan
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Andrew
5.0 out of 5 stars Overlooked Modern Saint
Reviewed in the United States on 24 March 2022
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But, why overlooked? I have no idea. It’s hard to find any of the writings that Nagai has written himself. We Americans are uncomfortable with the knowledge that we dropped an atomic bomb killing tens of thousands instantly. Do we hide his beautiful thoughts on peace, on love, and on living a joyful life in Christ despite all of the surrounding pain? We must, because very few people know of this man who is one of the most inspiring Saints I have ever read about.
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slk
5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 19 November 2022
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I was not familiar with this true story of Takashi Nagai. He lived, worked and wrote from his true essence, that connects us all. His knowing of God led him in all he wrote, his response to the Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, and in his own suffering. We are guided to pray.
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Lynn
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking yet hopeful
Reviewed in the United States on 5 January 2022
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This book told an unvarnished story of the tragedy of the atomic bomb explosion in Nagasaki and the aftermath in one man's extraordinary life. It was difficult to put this book down due to the author's captivating and honest descriptions. Although the story is now well known to me, I will no doubt reread this book many times. It will become my teacher so that I can better learn to live life graciously and gratefully no matter the circumstances in which I find myself.
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Nora McDougall
5.0 out of 5 stars War and Horror Bring out the Worst in Some People and the Best in Others
Reviewed in the United States on 20 June 2011
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Is it possible for a man who has seen his own countrymen do terrible things and who has been through the bombing of his home town of Nagasaki to die in peace and surrounded by honor and love? This is such a story.
The main story is about an early pioneer of radiology and his experience with the experience of living through the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. But, the book starts much earlier as a frame of reference to Dr. Nagai's story. This book is very Catholic, and traces the history of Catholicism through Japanese history, which is an interesting story in itself. Even for a non-Catholic reader, such as myself, there is so much to learn and appreciate about the strong faith of these courageous Japanese people.
Issues of war tend to polarize people, into demonizing one side and defending the other. People also tend to use acts of war to promote their own interests and political views. This book supersedes both. "He expressed grave suspicions about "angry people" in peace movements. There is a great need for peace movements, he wrote, but only if made up of people with hearts that are at peace." p. 212.
Whether you agree or disagree with Dr. Nagai's position, his life had a message that changed people for the better.
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Carlos A. Santayana
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are not afraid of being immersed in a wondrous enrichment of your world view, then read this sweet story of a truly noble
Reviewed in the United States on 20 July 2014
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This book is the story of Takashi Nagai, an atheist scientist who converted to Catholicism and became a household name in Japan. Considered a "saint" by both religious and secular Japanese, he has become an icon of goodness and holiness in their culture to many. I have found the life of this Japanese physician who survived and later died from injuries at Nagasaki, oddly uplifting. It extols the exquisite beauty of Japanese traditional culture while documenting his journey into christian mysticism and traditional Catholicism. As a dyed in the wool western Catholic of the old school, I have, at this late stage of my life, found myself seeing the divine inspiration that God generously endowed to so many cultures. As I read the book, I have to put it down to reflect on so many things; from an atheists critical reading of Pascal to fruitlessly resisting the urge to try my hand at Haiku. Love the book. If you are not afraid of being immersed in a wondrous enrichment of your world view, then read this sweet story of a truly noble soul.
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Peggy R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Tragedy is a gift
Reviewed in the United States on 10 August 2017
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Rarely have I been so affected by a book. This one is profound in so many ways! It is not just a biography, it is the journey of a soul from the darkness to the Light, who was able to make meaning of the tragedies in his life, including his experience as a survivor of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki.
He spoke of that meaning to all the survivors of the atomic bombs in Japan, and many Japanese, Catholic, Christian, or non-Christian, came to understand that meaning and venerate the deeply spiritual, everyday man who explained it to them.
I have been greatly helped by applying these insights to my own life, and coming to see that my perception of tragedy, especially in my own life, was off-kilter. They were gifts from God, who used them to change me in many ways, that is a still ongoing process.
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Ashton Z
5.0 out of 5 stars Nagasaki's light
Reviewed in the United States on 27 July 2014
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This book has touched my heart in a way that no other book has ever done before. I read "The bells of Nagasaki", before this, so I had some information on Nagai prior to reading. The book goes into extreme detail about his marriage and children. The love this man had for others around him cannot be described with words. This was a man that was well educated, a metacognitive thinker, and convert. I just finished my book with tears in my eyes. This man's final days were both sad and beautiful at the same time. You need to read this book if you are a Christian, a Japanophile, or are studying religion/philosophy. Thanks to this book, I want to go to Nagasaki so badly now.
BE WARNED:
Like the "The bells of Nagasaki", there are some very depressing, graphic descriptions in this book when they talk about the Atomic Bombing. Once you have started reading the book, you need to continue reading, or you can become depressed.
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W. L. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars A Saintly Convert In Old Nagasaki
Reviewed in the United States on 24 June 2013
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This book about Takashi Nagai is a moving true story about a physician-scientist who converted to Catholicism in pre-war Nagasaki and who lived through the Atomic Bombing of that city in August, 1945. One of the great ironies of the War in the Pacific was the fact that the largest Christian community in Japan, a non-Christian nation, lived in Nagasaki. The community dated back several hundred years to the days of St. Francis Zavier, the Jesuit missionary-apostle to the Far East. And, that community was almost totally destroyed by the 2nd atomic bomb that was dropped on Japan. Nagasaki was a secondary target city that was chosen due to bad weather over the primary target. However, if anything, Nagai's faith was only strengthened by the ordeal. He became a Christian mystic who was not only an inspiration to other Christians, but to non-Christians alike from the emperor on down. This is a little known story about this saintly Catholic convert is very much worth reading and I highly recommend it.
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MMC
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on 17 August 2022
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One of the most moving books I have ever read!!! A must- read for anyone who wants a spiritual uplift, plus being a beautiful love story, both of God and human nature. Hopefully,Takashi Nagai will be canonized some day.
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Jeffery F
5.0 out of 5 stars I keep buying this book and sharing it
Reviewed in the United States on 8 February 2022
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The first time I read this book, I appreciated the historical and cultural background it provided of Japan. After 3 more readings, my admiration of Japan has continued to grow. I honor this man whose life journey towards trust, love and humility is an inspiration as well as a sign of hope for humanity.
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Barbara S. Mustain
5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Peace and Hope amidst the Ashes
Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2022
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A beautiful and inspiring read. Much more than just a biography, it weaves centuries of Japanese culture, history, poetry and religion seamlessly together. The sufferings of centuries of persecuted Christians in Nagasaki are interwoven with one modern man's search for meaning amid the horrors of the twentieth
century.
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Alco Canfield
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting and inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 28 July 2021
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Takashi Nagai's selfless dedication was very moving. It was wonderful to see how a life is transformed. I also learned a lot about the history of Nagasaki and I didn't know much about that at all. I knew it was a Catholic community but that's all. I hope to visit someday. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to find out about the greatness of a human spirit.
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StarLady
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Compelling...
Reviewed in the United States on 28 February 2015
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This book is riveting, one that, once you begin, you cannot stop until you finish. The story of Takashi Nagai is amazing and inspirational, overcoming so many burdens and trials even just to arrive at "mere" belief. He learned what love was and used his gifts and talents for the glory of God, even in the face of pure sadness. I also appreciated that the book describes some history of Christianity in Japan, a topic that I did not know much about. The events of August 9, 1945 are made even more tragic when you realize that not only was there an incredible loss of innocent human life, but the atomic bomb struck at the heart of Catholicism in a country where Christianity has always struggled to gain a foothold. As a Catholic myself, it wrenched my heart to read of the sufferings of so many, but Nagai's story is one of wisdom and hope.
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Mary Ellen Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars very moving
Reviewed in the United States on 1 August 2022
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This book may be one that has changed my life. I have health issues and lost a son five years ago. This book teaches me to bear my minor sufferings and to seek God‘s wisdom.
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Eric R
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 3 December 2019
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I seriously doubt that anyone could read this book and not be moved and edified in a deep way. It’s well written, meaning, it flows nicely, with little excess verbiage, in the form of a bonafide drama. The reader stands to learn valuable aspects of Japanese history and culture. The reader also finds it close to impossible not to fall in love with Doctor Nagai. In many ways he was as inspirational to twentieth-century Japanese as Gandhi was to the Indians, and, like the latter, a transcendent figure for the human race.
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Brendan
5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Japan
Reviewed in the United States on 2 August 2022
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The beautiful story of a Japanese Catholic Christian and medical doctor, living out his faith in the midst of the 1945 post-atomic disaster. I couldn't put it down.
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Ignatius of Antioch
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Those Who are Suffering
Reviewed in the United States on 23 August 2011
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This book is an inspiring tale of a man who searches for, and ultimately finds, truth. The author does a wonderful job of relating the journey of Nagai, with the history of Christianity in Japan. The two stories parallel one another and merge into one on the day of the bombing of Nagasaki. Beautifully written, this book is one of the few books that my wife and I both rate among our all time favorites.
I read a song for Nagasaki at a point of great suffering in my own life. At the time it felt as though this book was made for me. This is not to say that one has to be suffering in order to get value out of the book. Quite the contrary, this true story is a vision of a man who, though he suffered much, was never swallowed by the suffering.
Beautiful and timeless, I cannot wait to read this book all over again.
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D. Michael Sanford
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written about a Beautiful Person.
Reviewed in the United States on 16 August 2017
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I’ve had this on my Kindle for some time and decided to start this wonderful book and finished it in three days. It is a story of a mystic, lover, and a believer in the Cross of Jesus Christ. I cannot recommend this book, story, love story enough; it will make you tear and laugh and feel wonderful after you read it. From Atheism, materialism, to complete love for Jesus in one short life despite dying from leukemia and radiation poisoning, A Song For Nagasaki will leave you with a memory of a perfect life during a miserable point in Japanese history. Please read this book.
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Dss
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in the United States on 23 April 2022
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For anyone who is struggling with the meaning of suffering, this book will foster a deeper understanding of suffering through the eyes of God's Providential Goodness.
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Jude
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story that helped me to understand the mystery of suffering after a difficult period
Reviewed in the United States on 16 July 2021
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This is a wonderful book for those who like Japanese History, philosophical journeys, heroic stories, or who want to understand some truths of the Catholic faith more deeply through the example of a heroic witness. I have recommended it to many people since finishing it.
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Heidi
5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving
Reviewed in the United States on 29 March 2022
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I so much admire this man as he faced the challenges of his life. Simplicity, poverty and humility - so wonderful.
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mtbube
5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving story
Reviewed in the United States on 28 July 2012
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I like conversion stories and this is one. What sets it aside from others is that it is the conversion of an atheist who refused to give into bitterness after the Nagasaki A-bomb was dropped when it is more likely that one will question the existence of a loving God. It is the story of an atheist raised by atheists in an essentially atheistic country at a time when atheism was simply taken for granted. It is not saccharine or filled with mystical visions of flitting angels. It is plainly stated how he came to be a believer through his own experiences and through his reading of Pascal's Pensees. It is in short a biography of a conversion of a thinking person for thinking people. I intend to read it again.
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Cryolitterae
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on 25 December 2021
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The book introduced me not only to a saint, but also to the culture of pre and post world war II japan
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Michael Hoffman
5.0 out of 5 stars A hymn to the spirit of Japan and one of her greatest modern saints
Reviewed in the United States on 5 January 2010
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The life of Takashi Nagai embodies a paradox: a convert from the traditional religion of Japan to Catholicism, he nevertheless embodied the virtues of the Japanese character - virtues which were expressed through his faith in Christ. This book will appeal to many diverse persons: atheists and agnostics struggling for truth, medical students and physicians, Catholics and missionaries, and students of modern Japanese history and President Truman's criminal atomic bomb holocaust against the Christian city of Nagasaki. But it is primarily the story of a human being whose hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication, along with early weaknesses and failure that he overcame through Christ, offers us a candle in the darkness. This is a fascinating and heart-warming tale of love in the face of harrowing adversity. No one who reads "A Song for Nagasaki" will go away unrewarded.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Takashi Nagai: A Prophet for Our Time
Reviewed in the United States on 4 September 2016
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How does one survive an event as tragic and destructive as an atom bomb with faith in God, and hope for the future intact? Dr. Takashi Nagai faced those challenges and emerged as a light to help Japan recover from the war, and a guide helping the people of Nagasaki to rebuild their lives. His amazing story and insights into the events of which he was a part make him a prophet for our time. His insights and the message of his life are timely and uplifting as we, too, face an uncertain future.
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Brent in Texas
5.0 out of 5 stars Nagasaki- a different view
Reviewed in the United States on 28 June 2019
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This book tells the incredible story of Dr Ngai who became a Christian and survived the Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki and how he saw the implications for his life and others. A most remarkable story of a very sad part of history. America dropped an atomic bomb on the area that had the largest amount of Christians in Japan.
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The_Sandstress
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!
Reviewed in the United States on 7 May 2016
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I found that this book was not only encouraging, but educational,too. I learned a lot about the "way" of the Japanese. My Japanese grandmother was a Christian and I had no clue about the persecution of the Japanese Christians. My grandfather, too was a teacher, who served in Burma like Nagai. I remember hearing stories similar to Nagai's . My mom was about 7 when the bomb was dropped - she remembers the changes after the surrender. This book really appealed to me based on my Japanese heritage and my faith in Jesus Christ.
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Lara
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful & Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 5 June 2019
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I ordered this book as a book club selection. I was surprised once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Nagai's life after he converted was a prayer. He strongly, positively influenced the reaction of the survivors in the city of Nagasaki after the devastating A-Bomb detonated. The story of his life & death are extremely inspiring!
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Caroline Gill
5.0 out of 5 stars Story about a saintly man without being preachy.
Reviewed in the United States on 3 August 2022
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Enlightenment.
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Vincent
5.0 out of 5 stars さようなら ~ SAYŌNARA
Reviewed in the United States on 17 October 2020
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The book’s last sentence: He condensed his advice for travelers in his dying words: “Inotte kudasai. Pray, please pray.”
“Prayer is our best weapon” - per Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (aka Padre Pio).
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Christopher Jantzen
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is worth the time
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2013
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I came upon this book by mistake because I read Embracing Defeat where the author introduced me to Takashi Nagai. I was curious to learn more about who Nagai was and came upon this book. It was a fast read because though it's a biography, the book has a quick pace and has a good mix of heart warming and breaking moments. Parts will make you laugh, others will make you cry but by the end you will be convinced that no one has lived quite the life as Nagai did. Take the risk, you won't regret it.
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J. E. Whipple
5.0 out of 5 stars A heroic victim of the atomic bomb.
Reviewed in the United States on 25 September 2017
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An excellent biography. It gives the salient facts of Dr. Nagai's life, but beyond that, it shows how it was possible for him to become a beacon of hope for the traumatized Japanese nation in the wake of World War II. His courage and perseverance in the face of personal suffering can serve as an example for all, as well as an object for admiration.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, poetic, and fiercely heroic.
Reviewed in the United States on 15 May 2019
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Beautifully written , amazing story, wonderful, real characters and real heroes. I learned so much about the beautiful and rich Japanese culture and history. I was surprised to learn the fascinating history of Christianity in Nagasaki and how Nagai was introduced to this foreign truth.
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Valentine Veloo
5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely reviting.
Reviewed in the United States on 17 February 2020
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what a fascinating heroic life lived most humbly and giving meaning to suffering and not giving in to despair. Truly a Catholic Saint and one whose life should be held up to study and follow.
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Grandpa
5.0 out of 5 stars Placing Faith within suffering to find peace
Reviewed in the United States on 3 October 2019
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A treasure of a book about a holy man who found God within his culture, rationality, and his heart during a cataclysmic time! Knew nothing about this time and culture before; on my second read to absorb the truths.
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Debra Brunsberg
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on 12 September 2015
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This is one of the most beautifully written stories I have ever read. I believe the man featured in this true story is a Saint. His living through the bombing of Nagasaki and his reaction to all that befalls him is a wonder. Fr. Glynn writes in a manner that will touch your heart in so many ways. I have read this book twice and have given it as a gift. I highly recommemend this book.
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Elaine D. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a beautiful and most excellent book that shows the redeeming power ...
Reviewed in the United States on 11 August 2016
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This is a beautiful and most excellent book that shows the redeeming power of Christ in the midst of sin, war and hatred. It also shows the real "Catholicity" of the Catholic Faith in the midst of the Orient. The terrible tragedy of the bombing of Nagasaki is transfigured as a holocaust, an expiation, for the sins and hatred of men through the Faith of the Christians of Nagasaki.
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